Help me build my PC: 2024 Catch-All

I sometimes get a similar issue from the analog Maker Hart mixer I have all the sound devices at my desk mixed by. Do those $10 Ground Loop Noise Isolators for Car Audio (with a 3.5mm in and out) help in a situation like this?

Dunno, but for $10 it's probably worth a shot.

As an aside, if you are going to get an isolation transformer, make sure to read the reviews. Some, apparently, don't isolate the ground. Others have a buzz from poorly mounted coils inside.

The way most of those work is that they eliminate a certain frequency in order to get rid of the noise. Which affects audio quality. It's probably better to just try and fix the ground loop. You might be able to do that by plugging things into different circuits in the house, instead of having everything plugged into one outlet.

tundra wrote:

Anyone run into this issue and have a solution...

Nephew bought a cyberpower prebuilt pc with a Ryzen 5800 and a Gigabyte 3070. When powering it up, there is green pixels on the splash page and when it gets to windows there screen is filled with green lines running horizontal across the monitor. Doesn't show up while in BIOs. Installed the Nvidia drivers and don't have control to select resolution. This happens on the HDMI connections. On the 2 display port connections, it reverts to a 1024x786 resolution without control to change it. It is like the drivers aren't installed for the display port connections on the card. Finally, installing an old 1060 graphics card, everything looks normal and is accessible via the display settings.

Any ideas... seems like the card is bad, but wanted to check here for solutions before RMA.

There has been a rash of these from Cyberpower according to their subreddit. Definitely seems like a bad card, like Thin_J said. One of my kids picked out a custom build that's similar with his leftover scholarship money, and I'm really hoping the expanding foam packing they paid for along with the extra QA will help. Of course, it takes a few weeks longer than a prebuilt even if it costs the same.

So on the GPU front, the 6600XT is getting interesting.
Some places have listed it as discontinued and I have seen a few places where it is under MSRP @$359

I find it odd that AMD appears to have replaced the 6600xt with the 6650xt and left the 6700xt and 6900xt in tact. Note that the 6900xt is also selling for below MSRP some places while the 6700xt is still over MSRP and right next to the 6750xt. $850 for a 6900xt is still a huge amount of scratch, but comparatively it is a steal with nvidia competitors still priced in the thousands and its 6x50 "refresh" listing for $1100.

Also note that reviews for the refreshes typically conclude, "why bother?" with the 6750xt being the worst offender.

Less than a full month after being delayed, Intel's Arc GPUs are delayed again.

In April, they were delayed from May to early summer.

It sounds like early summer has now become late summer.

Driver development seems to be the sticking point. You would think a company that has, in fact, been developing GPU drivers for a long time (integrated GPUs may be comparatively slow hardware, but they have drivers all the same, and certainly run lots of games) would not be blindsided by the demands of driver development for a higher-end part, but here we are.

*Legion* wrote:

Less than a full month after being delayed, Intel's Arc GPUs are delayed again.

In April, they were delayed from May to early summer.

It sounds like early summer has now become late summer.

Driver development seems to be the sticking point. You would think a company that has, in fact, been developing GPU drivers for a long time (integrated GPUs may be comparatively slow hardware, but they have drivers all the same, and certainly run lots of games) would not be blindsided by the demands of driver development for a higher-end part, but here we are.

Given the number of things a discrete GPU is depended upon to do these days, it's a different animal with a heap of different expectations placed on it. How they come out of the gate is going to make a big difference in whether they're able to compete long term in the different markets they're aiming at.

Honestly, they will have a hard time keeping up with Nvidia. The balanced investments in hardware and software that Nvidia has been making for years have created a formidable innovation engine. Intel's hesitations entering this space indicate to me that they will have a number of uneven years and products ahead of them before they finally get it down. And who knows if they will just give up on the gaming side, once the demand for dedicated, ubiquitous business AI processing starts to really kick in 2 or 3 years from now. If there is any technology that will make the media and gaming markets look small, it's AI in all its power-sucking varieties.

So I have my MSI Motherboard and cooler, my 'be quiet' case, and my razer keyboard and mouse... ideally there is some software somewhere that connects them all through the aRGB stuff and syncs them.

My google fu has not come up with a way to do this. I really just want them all the same color.

manta173 wrote:

ideally there is some software somewhere that connects them all through the aRGB stuff and syncs them.

My google fu has not come up with a way to do this. I really just want them all the same color.

Sorry, sometimes this works out, but most often unless you just focus brands whose RGB stuff you researched beforehand and know all cooperates, it's a crap-shoot.

The only surefire way is to install each company's RGB garbage one at a time, and see which things it recognizes.

Honest recommendation: Go into the motherboard BIOS, usually there's a way to choose a base color in there for the motherboard stuff and just kind of set a default. That lets you dodge one. The case... I assume has an RGB controller button of some kind somewhere so you can choose a color. If that's the case, just match that to what you chose in the mobo software. I still have one system with a window in it left (Also a Be Quiet) and that's what I did with that one.

There's no consistency from any of that RGB mess. In fact, there's not even a standard for the wiring, one motherboard might have differently wired RGB headers than the next.

For your keyboard and mouse... you have to use Razer Synapse. And not just install it, set your settings, and then remove it, you have to run it 24/7. Razer's peripherals don't store the settings you choose on hardware. The instant you turn off Synapse your mouse and keyboard will return to whatever their default RGB behavior is. Usually rainbow puke of one form or another.

And Razer doesn't allow other RGB software to control their hardware's RGB directly, you have to install the MSI thing *and* the Razer thing and like link them together. This is a blurb from their support site:

Razer wrote:

Does Razer Synapse work with MSI?
Note: Razer Chroma Connect requires both the third-party software and Razer Synapse 3 to run concurrently. For example, MSI's software needs to be running to utilize Razer Chroma Connect. MSI's software will read the RGB values from Razer Synapse 3 and apply it to MSI's device.

In summation... f*ck RGB.

My current main system has solid side panels now. It can blast rainbow vomit all it wants in there, I don't have to care and I don't have to run terrible software to make it all cooperate.

Ars did a useful overview on screen technologies (TN vs IPS etc.):

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/06/lcd-vs-led-vs-mini-led-vs-oled-a-quick-guide/

I have most most up to date and realistic build for my next gaming rig. This is to be built in the next 2-3 months.

Cartoonin's 2022 Build

Sans monitors, GPU (Going to stick with my Nvidia 2060 Super RTX for now) and peripherals, as I will be using my current devices.

Thoughts or critiques welcomed.

It is amusing that the RAM costs more then the CPU. Given that GPUs are getting more and more power hungry, you may want to consider a 1k PSU for forward compatibility.

cartoonin wrote:

I have most most up to date and realistic build for my next gaming rig. This is to be built in the next 2-3 months.

Cartoonin's 2022 Build

Sans monitors, GPU (Going to stick with my Nvidia 2060 Super RTX for now) and peripherals, as I will be using my current devices.

Thoughts or critiques welcomed.

I'd buy a contact frame for the CPU if you can find one, as the CPU ILM on Intel 12th gen motherboards has recently been proven as sh*t when it comes to providing a good contact surface between the CPU and coolers. Unfortunately the frames are out of stock in many places, as folks are snapping them up to get ~10c lower temps.

Edit: A video about the problem from our friend up in North Cackalacky...

Thanks for the info! I had no idea on the contact issue between the cpu and the coolers.

I can up the psu to 1000W, which may not be a bad idea, since I plan on upgrading the GPU sooner, rather than later.

So I'm back in upgrading mode, looking for the best GPU I can get in the near future since prices are coming down finally, through long bouts of investigation I was under the impression that an RX 6600 was the best alternative for the last couple of weeks but apparently the folks at UserBenchmark prefer to recommend either an RTX 3060 or even an RTX 2060 which seems baffling as this being an almost 4 years old card.

My budget ceiling is 300 USD, I don't want to cram a 3-fan monstrosity in my rig, no need for it either as I have no interest in 4k /144 mhz gaming, plain old Full HD is fine by me. Any recommendations? Thanks in advance

Edit: forgot to add my rig for reference

Feeank wrote:

but apparently the folks at UserBenchmark


*angrily points to top post*

The top post wrote:

The DO NOT USE List

These are resources which often come up in Google searches but are actually garbage.

  • UserBenchmark
Feeank wrote:

I was under the impression that an RX 6600 was the best alternative for the last couple of weeks but apparently the folks at UserBenchmark GooberDoofmark prefer to recommend either an RTX 3060 or even an RTX 2060

What do the prices in your region look like for these cards? Ultimately, you're talking about cards that are largely in the same performance neighborhood (especially if the 2060 is a 2060 SUPER and not a base 2060). Real-world pricing is going to swing the recommendation one way or another.

All things being equal, I prefer the RTX 3060 for having the best absolute performance of the group (by a small margin) and for having DLSS. But looking at NewEgg USA prices right now, the RX 6600 is selling for $300 and the cheapest RTX 3060 is $400. The 3060 isn't $100 better than the RX 6600, not by a long shot. If the pricing in your region is similarly skewed in the 6600's favor, I would lean towards the 6600.

Even the base model 2060s are selling for around $340, and the 2060 SUPERs for roughly the same $400 as the 3060s. I could conceive of grabbing a 2060 if a killer deal for one was available, but at current NewEgg pricing, there seems to be little reason to consider one.

And if your intent is to play 1080p @ 60hz like your post implies, all of these cards will comfortably exceed your needs.

*Legion* wrote:

GooberDoofmark

Ahh, forgot about The List

*Legion* wrote:

What do the prices in your region look like for these cards? .

Ridiculous and preposterous as usual, the norm is between 2-3 times whatever it costs in the US.
But
I intend to buy this over amazon and ship it here instead. Unlike ram sticks, I trust gpus to be sturdy enough to take the trip as most of my components did back in 2020

*Legion* wrote:

Ultimately, you're talking about cards that are largely in the same performance neighborhood (especially if the 2060 is a 2060 SUPER and not a base 2060). Real-world pricing is going to swing the recommendation one way or another.

All things being equal, I prefer the RTX 3060 for having the best absolute performance of the group (by a small margin) and for having DLSS. But looking at NewEgg USA prices right now, the RX 6600 is selling for $300 and the cheapest RTX 3060 is $400. The 3060 isn't $100 better than the RX 6600, not by a long shot. If the pricing in your region is similarly skewed in the 6600's favor, I would lean towards the 6600.

Even the base model 2060s are selling for around $340, and the 2060 SUPERs for roughly the same $400 as the 3060s. I could conceive of grabbing a 2060 if a killer deal for one was available, but at current NewEgg pricing, there seems to be little reason to consider one.

And if your intent is to play 1080p @ 60hz like your post implies, all of these cards will comfortably exceed your needs.

Yeah, I figured there was something fishy with UB as the consesus among youtube videoers was overwhelmingly favorable towards the RX 6600, However, If I happen across a sweet deal and can get a 3060ti close to my budget limit I may be tempted. My only serious concern regarding one or the other card will be power consumption, my 600W psu should be enough for any of those but still, I'd rather err on the side of caution and get the less power-hungry option if possible.
Thanks for the insight Legion!

edit: remove open quote tag

Apparently founder's edition 3060 ti gpus are getting weekly stock. At $400, that is a lot of bang for your buck but you still need some luck to get one at that price.

The 6600 xt is now down to $360 with a few brands and both it and the 6600 at $300 are good deals. It makes zero sense to go with anything weaker. If you have your eye set on this price point, next gen is most likely not going to replace this market segment. Next gen will see superior cards but will likely not have anything in this price point for years, if at all.

Nvidia still hasn't buckled under the pressure spurred by the start of the mining crash. It is an option that they just might eat the overstock of overpriced cards at retailers rather than coming to their senses and dropping prices. If that happens, then these low end cards (3060, 3060 ti, 6600, 6600 xt) are not getting any better in price.

The point when Nvidia succumbs, we might see a race to the bottom because Nvidia is what is using its influence to tread water as long as possible. (and bleed retailers holding the bag right now)

I don't want to be partisan. AMD is no hero but Nvidia needs to be humbled big time and in short order. At points where consumers were asking why, they repeatedly replied why not and doubled or tripled down on it. And they are trying to wait outlast the repercussions.

So I don't recommend buying Nvidia and with AMD's next gen, it may be an opportune time to do just that.

TLDR
But to answer the question. The 6600 for $300 is a great choice. Waffling over spending the extra $60 for 6600 xt is one of the few things stopping me from getting one myself.

Thanks Fang!
Looking into the local market, I can find RX 6500xt, RX 570 and even RX 580 under my budget, but I'm not keen on the idea of expending that much on old cards from not very trustable sources or on a card as apparently gimped as the 6500. But it looks like in a couple months local prices may adjust down following the global trend. I'm still a couple of months away from making the upgrade so we'll see how it goes when the time comes.

Feeank wrote:

I intend to buy this over amazon and ship it here instead. Unlike ram sticks, I trust gpus to be sturdy enough to take the trip as most of my components did back in 2020

Ah, that makes sense.

Then yeah, for your use case, I think the RX 6600 will deliver the best performance-for-the-dollar. The 6600 XT that Fang's talking about is a good option too, and at $360 that's an additional ~17% of cost for about ~20% additional performance. So that's not a bad upgrade option, but if you're staying at 1080p@60, you probably would find the additional headroom going unused most of the time.

*Legion* wrote:
Feeank wrote:

I intend to buy this over amazon and ship it here instead. Unlike ram sticks, I trust gpus to be sturdy enough to take the trip as most of my components did back in 2020

Ah, that makes sense.

Then yeah, for your use case, I think the RX 6600 will deliver the best performance-for-the-dollar. The 6600 XT that Fang's talking about is a good option too, and at $360 that's an additional ~17% of cost for about ~20% additional performance. So that's not a bad upgrade option, but if you're staying at 1080p@60, you probably would find the additional headroom going unused most of the time.

Here's the tricky question I can't answer on my own and can't seem to find info regarding performance. I don't care about 4K gaming **but** I do use multiple screens and continually alt-tab out while gaming to check something up on my secondary screen, I use 2 24'' mismatched monitors, a full HD Viewsonic and a Samsung regular HD, but could probably change it later on for a matching full HD.

Sometimes I feel my system struggles to handle both screens with all the tabs I keep open all day long while working, etc, my expectation is that once I get a decent GPU that feeling will go away.

Upgrading ram a couple months ago has definitely helped with this sensation but, the million dollar question would be: going for a slightly overkill card would help in any way make a difference in that regard?

I can find RX 6500xt, RX 570 and even RX 580 under my budget, but I'm not keen on the idea of expending that much on old cards from not very trustable sources or on a card as apparently gimped as the 6500.

IIRC you are using an APU right now right? Like a 5700U or some such?
In that case, those GPUs you listed are at best marginally more powerful than what you've got.
I have a 580 and I have no complaints other than its a 5 year old gpu. I cannot recommend buying a 5 year old gpu when an extra $100 will get you a new gpu that is ~80% faster (6600).

I am eyeing a 6700 xt but despite the fact that it is at MSRP, it is still at least $100 over priced. The main selling point is more future proofing and better 4k performance. (the 6700 xt, and 3060 ti are a hair better than a 2080 super for reference)

Now that being said, the 6600 is ~80% better than a 580. So while it isn't recommended for 4K it certainly makes playing at 4K significantly smoother. So, it will absolutely chew up your dual monitor setup too. And again, if you want more cushion, the 15-20% more powerful 6600 xt is only $60 more.

Feeank wrote:

Sometimes I feel my system struggles to handle both screens with all the tabs I keep open all day long while working, etc, my expectation is that once I get a decent GPU that feeling will go away.

(...)

Upgrading ram a couple months ago has definitely helped with this sensation but, the million dollar question would be: going for a slightly overkill card would help in any way make a difference in that regard?

Alt-tabbing out of fullscreen games is kinda rough no matter what your hardware is. That's pretty much never going to be a very nice experience, at least not in a Windows environment.

But when it comes to system responsiveness from having a bunch of tabs open, etc., your choice of GPU isn't going to make much difference. When you're comparing GPUs, you're comparing 3D rendering performance.

You might get an improvement in desktop behavior simply from going from an APU to a dedicated GPU, because you will have dedicated video RAM instead of sharing system RAM. But an "overkill" GPU isn't going to help you with desktop performance any more than a midrange card will.

Thank you guys, I think I can make a better informed decision when the time comes with all this info, you've been very helpful.

@Fang, I'm running a ryzen 5 3400G, it's a great deal but I may be asking too much out of it with the screens, slack, dropbox, monday, adobe, and all sort of stuff I need to keep constantly running in the background for work. If you only need one screen and have enough ram it probably handles a lot better.

Hey @Legion, yeah, alt-tabbing from a fullscreen game is asking for trouble, I only do so on older games that don't support windowed mode, for most recent games they seem to handle it without problem.

Going over local markets again, I'm seeing rx6600 as low as 430 USD which isn't terrible, In a couple of months I may get lucky and get it for a reasonable price without the month long wait for ship, here's hoping!

Edit: typos

I hope it does Feeank.

But, in other news:

Nvidia and AMD and Apple are trying to cut orders from TSMC. They all overordered because they thought demand would remain high and they could keep fleecing their customers with inflated MSRPs.
They are seeing a huge drop in demand because of crypto crashing and they don't want to be left further holding the bag.

Now this is for future stock so the effects may not be felt for over 6 months. But it means there will be a floor for gpu prices. And it may be the case where the lower end gpus may have already hit it in the US.

Also, what size is your power supply? You may limited to gpus from this gen since power demands are going up for next gen, especially for Nvidia.

Also of note:
There is a 6600 XT at newegg that is $354 with a $10 discount = $345
6600 at newegg is also $25 discount = $275

fangblackbone wrote:

I hope it does Feeank.

Also, what size is your power supply? You may limited to gpus from this gen since power demands are going up for next gen, especially for Nvidia.

Thanks Fang! Here's my rig for reference, I have a Evga 600W 80+ Bronze, I don't think I should have that much trouble with a mid-range card as the RX6600

fangblackbone wrote:

Also of note:
There is a 6600 XT at newegg that is $354 with a $10 discount = $345
6600 at newegg is also $25 discount = $275

Ahhh, hopefully I'll get it by a similar price, but not this day Thanks for the lead thou!

Yeah the TDPs are 130 and 160 respectively.

So another hit to GPU prices is imminent, at least for used prices for high end cards.
As I speculated just a few days ago, Nvidia was in holding pattern trying to weather the mining crash or pass the buck for as long as possible. Well their comeuppance is here.

Used FE 3080's are listing for $500
Used 3070's and 3070ti's are competing with each other in the low $400's

The new that Nvidia was trying to cut orders last week is just starting to have an effect at the same time as the mining dump is starting.

So if Nvidia finally relents even $50 drops for new gpus, AMD won't be much more than a week behind. The 6600 probably can't go much below $250 but the 6600 xt is trending towards $300. That is essentially getting 2080 Super performance for $300.